Please Drive Carefully And Stay Safe Over The Christmas New Year Break

Motorists are advised to plan their trip and allow plenty of extra travel time as heavy traffic is expected on the main roads heading out of Sydney for the start of the Christmas holidays.

Roads Minister Duncan Gay said highways across New South Wales including the F3, Pacific Highway, Princes Highway, Great Western Highway and Hume Highway usually experience a rise in traffic volumes of up to 100% at this time of year.

“Anyone heading off on a long trip should take plenty of breaks and avoid driving when they would normally be sleeping,” he said.

“The biggest killer on our roads is speeding. Each year about 40 per cent of crashes involve excessive or inappropriate speed.”

Motorists are reminded that double demerits are in force from midnight Thursday 20 December to midnight Tuesday 1 January for speeding, seatbelt and helmet offences.

Major roads across the state will be very busy over the next few weeks, in particular this weekend as well as on Boxing Day, December 27, 28 and 29.

”Traffic Commanders and additional resources will be in place to manage traffic and minimise delays,” Mr Gay said.

Delays are expected on the Pacific Highway at Hexham, Bulahdelah, Macksville, Kempsey, Coffs Harbour to Woolgoolga, Woodburn and Bangalow.

Special care should be taken on the Pacific Highway in upgrade areas around Bulahdelah, Herons Creek, Kempsey, from Sapphire to Woolgoolga, north of Coffs Harbour, Tabbimobile and from Tintenbar to the Byron Bay turnoff,” he said.

“In particular queuing and delays can be expected on the northbound approach to Bulahdelah, Kempsey and Macksville and motorists should try to avoid these areas around midday as delays can be quite lengthy.”

Motorists travelling south should also expect delays on the Princes Highway at Albion Park Rail, Berry, Nowra, Milton/Ulladulla and Batemans Bay.

Motorists travelling west should also expect delays heading over the Blue Mountains on the Great Western Highway.

”Anyone heading off on a long trip should drive to the conditions, prepare for lengthy delays by taking plenty of water and allow additional travel time. Motorists are also urged to plan before they travel,” Mr Gay said.

Another important tip to travelers before heading off is to make sure your vehicle is ready for a long trip. Prepare a list checking the levels of petrol, oil, tyres and that other parts of the vehicle are roadworthy.

There will be 62 Driver Reviver stations operated on NSW roads during the school holidays, including the Australia Day long weekend.